The Summer of Us

by Moreland, Melanie

  I chuckled. You could smell the bakery for blocks. The rich scent of cinnamon, sugar, and butter drew you in.

  Abby came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray of the cinnamon buns. Her wild curls were held back with a hairband, her bright-pink stripe vivid against the blond. She was wearing her pink high-top sneakers and swaddled in an apron. After talking to Sunny, she slid two buns onto a plate and carried it over to the table, along with a coffee. As she approached, I turned to say something to Michael, except he wasn’t looking at me. He was staring at Abby, his eyes focused entirely on her.

  “Holy mother of god,” he mumbled.

  I tried not to laugh, especially when I looked at Abby and saw her returning his stare with one of her own.

  She slid the plate and mug in front of Michael, their gazes never wavering. “I think I’m made for you,” she announced.

  He gaped at her, and I snickered. Abby blushed and stammered.

  “I mean, I made these. The buns. I brought them to you. Yeah.” She shot me a look. “Sunny asked me to bring them to you. So, I did. Here they are.” Then she turned and bolted back into the kitchen.

  Michael stared after her, then turned to me. “Who was that?”

  I crossed my arms. “My assistant.”

  He ran a hand over his face. “Shit.” He looked down at the cinnamon buns. “She made these?”

  “She’s been in the kitchen with Sunny all morning, so I assume so.”

  “Does she have a name?”

  “No. I whistle, and she shows up.”

  His head snapped up, his eyes glaring at me, and I smirked. “Of course she has a name. It’s Abby.”

  “Abby,” he repeated. He lifted a bun and bit into it, chewing slowly. He closed his eyes with a low groan. “This is so good.”

  I stood and went to get a refill. Sunny smiled at me as I bent over the counter.

  “Did you catch that?” I asked quietly.

  “I think someone is smitten. Two someones, actually. Abby keeps peeking out the door.”

  I glanced behind me. Michael was eating, his gaze fixed on the kitchen door as if he were willing it to open and Abby to reappear.

  “Is he ready for that?”

  Sunny sighed. “It’s been almost two years, Linc. That’s a long time to be alone.”

  “He has kids. I’m not sure how Abby would feel about that. And she is younger than him.”

  She stepped closer. “Why don’t you butt out, Linc, and let them figure it out. Abby’s a grown-up girl.” She brushed a kiss to my mouth. “I love how protective you are, but honestly, leave it alone.”

  She was right, although I couldn’t resist pushing Michael a little when I returned to the table.

  He had eaten both buns and drained his coffee. “I should get some of these to take home to the kids,” he said. “They’d love them.”

  “Good idea. Want me to ask Abby to box up some?”

  “Ah, no. I’ll do it.”

  “Are you sure? It’s not a problem.”

  “I said I’d ask,” he growled. I chuckled, and he relaxed in his seat. “You’re being an ass, Linc.”

  I sipped my coffee. “Yep.”

  “What’s her story? Is she single?”

  “Single? Yes. Complicated? Yes. The closest thing I’ll ever have to a sister? Yes.”

  He studied me. “Gotcha.”

  I held up my hands. “Just saying. She’s important to me.”

  “Okay.”

  Abby came out of the kitchen, her bravado back in place. She approached the table with a smile.

  “How were the buns?”

  “They’re my new favorite thing,” Michael said. “I could eat you, um, I mean them, every day.”

  I choked on my coffee.

  Jesus, these two were going to kill me.

  Color stained Abby’s cheeks, and my eyebrows flew up. Abby never blushed.

  “Oh…good. That’s good,” she mumbled, her eyes never leaving his face.

  Silence hung as they stared at each other. With a groan, I stood. “Abby this is Michael. Michael, Abby.” I pushed Abby down into my chair. “Why don’t you two talk? I’ll go help Sunny.”

  I paused at the door and looked behind me. They were still staring at each other, both of them looking as if they were the only two people in the room.

  I shook my head as I entered the kitchen. Abby getting involved with a local hadn’t been in my plans. Then I laughed. Me working in a bakery on the long weekend while in Mission Cove after finding Sunny again hadn’t been in my plans either.

  Yet, here I was. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

  * * *

  “Are you ready?” Sunny asked.

  “It’s going to be fine.” I squeezed her shoulder. “I’m right here with you.”

  “Okay.” Sunny’s fingers flew over the keyboard, and a few moments later, the screen filled with her sisters’ faces.

  “Hey, girls.” She greeted them.

  Hayley and Emily both started to talk, and I sat to the side, listening as they chatted, filling Sunny in on their news about school, their part-time jobs, boys they were dating and/or interested in—their lives in general.

  I could see their faces from where I sat. They were both grown up—no longer the little girls who loved hugs and treats. As I listened to their voices and heard their laughter, they were still in the echoes of my memories that lingered. I hoped once they heard Sunny’s news, they recalled some good memories of me.

  There was a lull in the conversation, after they asked if Sunny was ready for the busy weekend coming up.

  “Yes,” she replied. “I, ah, have some extra help.” Her gaze drifted my way. “And some news.”

  Hayley came closer to the screen. “Sunny, are you seeing someone?”

  Sunny reached for my hand, and I gripped it hard for encouragement. “Yes, I am.”

  “Tell us!” Emily demanded.

  Sunny’s cheeks turned a soft pink. “He’s special. Very special.”

  “Oh my God, it’s serious,” Hayley said.

  “Yes, it is. He’s here, in fact, and wants to say hello.” Sunny paused. “You met him before.”

  “Really? Who is it?”

  “Linc.”

  Silence filled the room. Then Emily spoke. “Linc? As in Linc Franklin? The boy who broke your heart?”

  Sunny swallowed. “It’s Linc Webber now. There are things about that time you don’t know.”

  I loved hearing her say my name and the way she defended me. It made me want to kiss her.

  “Sunny,” Emily hissed. “Are you sure about this? He almost destroyed you.”

  I stepped in behind Sunny. “It almost destroyed me too.”

  They looked shocked, both of them silent.

  I pulled my chair beside Sunny and sat down, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. “It’s a long story. I didn’t leave her. I was taken away from your sister—from my life here. I searched for her when I came back—all of you—but you were gone. Then, by accident, I found her again.” I tightened my hand on her shoulder. “I’m not leaving her again—ever.”

  Emily leaned forward. “Sunny—”

  Sunny cut her off. “I know what I’m doing, Emily.” Then she smiled, her voice softening. “I’m happy. Really happy.”

  Hayley tilted her head. “You look happy.”

  “We both are,” I stated. “I will do whatever it takes to keep your sister. To earn your trust again. I’ve been half alive without her.”

  Emily sniffled. “We missed you.”

  I smiled. “I missed you too, kiddo. We have a lot to catch up on, but I think you girls need to talk. So, I’ll leave you to it. Sunny can give you my cell number, and I’ll answer any questions you have.”

  “Don’t hurt her,” Hayley demanded. “Don’t do that again, Linc.”

  “I won’t,” I swore. I stood and kissed the top of Sunny’s head. “You know where I am.”

  I walked into the bedroom, the girls’ voice
s following me.

  “Is he staying with you?”

  “Tell us everything, Sunny!”

  “God, he got handsome. Is he that good-looking in person?”

  I shut the door to give them privacy, but I did hear Sunny’s reply to the last question.

  “Even better. And he’s so amazing, girls. You have no idea.”

  I hoped they would accept my presence in Sunny’s life. I knew I had to work and earn their trust, but I would do it. I would take care of them as well as Sunny.

  I knew their forgiveness would take time, but I would be patient.

  I would do anything for Sunny.

  An hour later, Sunny appeared, her eyes red-rimmed but peaceful. I held out my arms, and she lay beside me, her head on my chest. I had heard parts of the conversation through the door, at times serious, at times more lighthearted with sisterly teasing and jibes. She had assured them she was fine and explained in brief detail what had happened. The girls had a lot of questions she answered, then they moved on to how we found each other and what the future looked like for us.

  “You defended me.” I kissed the top of her head.

  “Of course.”

  “Did they come around at all?”

  “Yes. You can expect a lot of texts and calls, though.”

  “No problem.” I paused. “I can fly them here to see us anytime you want.”

  “Maybe later in the summer. They usually come for a visit. Emily likes working in the bakery. She and Abby would get on well.”

  “All right. Whatever you think is best. I can fly us there as well for a weekend. Just say the word.”

  She traced her fingers on my shirt. “Maybe.” She snuggled closer. “Right now, I kinda don’t want to share. I like having you to myself.”

  I tucked her tighter into my side. I felt much the same way.

  “I’m good with that.”

  * * *

  That weekend, Sunny sidled up next to me at the counter. “You know,” she murmured with a teasing grin, “if this whole millionaire thing doesn’t work out for you, you could become a barista.”

  I chuckled as I slid another cappuccino toward her. I had been replaced as sample passer because I was eating as many as I was giving away, and that was frowned on. No one had outlined the rules, so I didn’t feel it was fair, but my protests fell on deaf ears. Now, some kid had the best job in the whole place, and I was moved. I found out quickly I sucked in the kitchen, dropped too many things to be of any help serving people, and my cash register skills were lacking, but I caught onto the whole coffee thing well. Luckily, Sunny’s shop only offered coffee, simple lattes, and cappuccinos. Or a shot of espresso. Not fancy drinks. Otherwise I would be lost.

  I was shocked at how much I was enjoying the weekend. Sunny’s bakery had been busy since Friday afternoon as the tourists began to trickle in, drawn by the nice weather and the chance to escape the big city. By Saturday afternoon, the place was packed, and on Sunday morning, there was a line waiting outside when Sunny unlocked the door.

  She was amazing to watch, always calm—warm and pleasant to her customers, helpful and efficient with her staff, never sitting or not busy—she worked as hard as anyone, if not harder.

  I had forgotten how much I liked simply being around her. Listening to her voice and laughter, being able to touch her hand or steal the occasional kiss. Observe her with other people and the way they reacted to her genuine warmth. This was her element, and I loved seeing her in it.

  “I know, Sunny-girl,” I deadpanned. “I’m an awesome coffee guy. I was thinking of applying for a part-time gig here.” I winked, leaning over the counter. “I’m dating this woman, and I want to be able to wine and dine her in the finest establishments. Impress her, you know? I bet with my tips alone, I can win her over.”

  She met me halfway, her dark eyes dancing in the bright sunlight that filled the bakery. “Save your pennies, big spender. You already have.”

  Unable to resist, I wrapped my hand around her neck and pulled her in for a fast, hard, and surprisingly satisfying kiss. Her cheeks were flushed as she pulled back amidst the claps and whoops my action caused.

  “Enough of your lip.” She smirked, the sexy pull of her full mouth making me smile. “Wash your hands and get back to work.”

  I grinned, doing as she instructed, then returning to the small line that was waiting patiently. I worked steadily for a few moments, pausing to wipe my hands between orders.

  “What can I get you?” I asked, looking up and freezing at the cold gaze that met mine.

  “Quite the show,” Mrs. Tremont uttered. “Not exactly family friendly.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Affection between loving partners is hardly something to be ashamed of, Martha.” I stressed her name, knowing it would piss her off.

  “Not the place for it.” She sniffed.

  I couldn’t resist the dig. “You prefer dark hotel rooms, I suppose?”

  Her eyes narrowed, her glare becoming frostier. I swore I felt the temperature around us drop. Her voice became icier. “Not hygienic either.”

  “Don’t worry,” I assured her. “I won’t lick your cup.”

  “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want anything.”

  I bit back my retort. This was Sunny’s business, and I was out of line. Instead, I offered her a smile, using my most conciliatory tone.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. I was simply caught up in the moment. Allow me to make you a coffee—on the house.” I wasn’t surprised when she accepted it. Snobs like her could never resist something free.

  “A latte. With sweetener. Two.”

  “Coming right up.”

  A moment later, I handed her the cup with another fake smile. “Enjoy.”

  She swept out of the bakery without another word. I bowed my head, pretending to be absorbed in wiping off the nozzle, when, in fact, I was trying not to laugh. I hoped she enjoyed the weak, tepid brew I made. And the real sugar—I’d even added extra. Maybe it would help her disposition—at least it would startle her taste buds.

  Sunny stepped up beside me. “You okay?”

  “Fine. Definitely not my biggest fan.”

  “I saw what you did. Making it with used grounds, and the sugar. She hates sugar. Calls it the white death.”

  “Oh, ah…”

  She nudged me in the ribs. “I could fire you for that. Messing with a customer. Shame on you.”

  I faced her fully. “But you won’t. In fact, you’re going to reward me.”

  “Is that a fact?”

  I leaned over, dropping my voice. I gripped her waist, pulling her a little closer. “Meet me in the storeroom in five minutes, and I’ll remind you.”

  She giggled, slapping away my hands. “Stop teasing. It’s too busy for that.”

  I looked around the shop. It was packed. People coming and going. Tables full. Staff filling the trays as fast as possible. The sample kid was run off his feet, but Sunny was correct. Once they tasted her cookies, they joined the line to purchase them.

  “We’ll be lucky if we last the day without running out of everything,” she whispered triumphantly. “I have to go and start baking for tomorrow. Sales are even better than I hoped.” She met my proud gaze. “I might be here all night, baking.”

  I planned on being there to help her. I knew Abby did as well. I also knew Sunny would be exhausted on Monday.

  I took advantage of not having a line. “I want you to come with me on Tuesday.”

  “Where?”

  “Toronto. I have a meeting in the morning, then I want to spend the rest of the day with you. We’ll come back on Wednesday.”

  I let her take that in.

  “We’d stay overnight?”

  I nodded, my hand tightening on her waist. “At my place. Just us.”

  Her pupils dilated, making her dark eyes almost black. Her voice was breathless when she replied, “Us?”

  “Us,” I confirmed. “Alone.”

  “The
shop—”

  I shook my head, interrupting her. “I spoke with your staff. You can leave them their orders, and they’ll take care of it. Abby is going to stay and help.”

  “But Abby—”

  Again, I was ready for her. “I spoke to Michael. He’s going to keep an eye on the shop.” I chuckled. “He’s brought his kids in here three times. He finally lucked out and Abby was out front. I watched him introduce them to her.”

  “How did that go?”

  I grinned. “He acted all casual and Abby was flustered, but I think it was fine. When I told him about having to be in Toronto and why I was worried, he offered, so that’s covered. Now, next objection?”

  “You really want that? Me at your place?”

  I met her gaze, mine never wavering. “Yes. And there is no pressure, Sunny. I want some time alone with you. More than an hour at night or a few moments when I see you here. Time to be us. To talk.” I slid my hand down to hers and gripped it. “I’ll wait. I told you I would. But we need time alone. That’s all I am asking.”

  “Okay.”

  My smile couldn’t be contained. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can we grab one minute in the storeroom?” I murmured. “I really need to kiss you.”

  A throat clearing in front of me gave me my answer. Another customer.

  Sunny surprised me, leaning up on her tiptoes and kissing my cheek. “I’ll owe you.”

  She hurried away, disappearing into the kitchen. I faced the older man, who was waiting patiently.

  “I wish my boss looked like that.” He grinned. “And kissed me for a job well done.”

  I laughed. “Perks of the job.”

  “Is she taking applications?”

  I shook my head, still amused. “Nope. Position is filled—permanently.”

  “Lucky bastard.”

  He was right.

  17

  Sunny

  I rested my head back against the luxurious leather interior of Linc’s car and watched the scenery go by. Mission Cove faded from view, the landscape becoming more urban, the highway active with traffic. Ahead was Toronto—one of the busiest cities in the country. I hadn’t been there in years, and if it weren’t for Linc, I wouldn’t have been heading toward its towering skyscrapers and overcrowded boundaries.